Children's Course (Conducted in Cantonese)
Age
For children aged 8 to 12
Course date
21st March 2010
Course Application
Download:
(1) Application Form in Adobe Acrobat  or Microsoft Word  format, and
(2) Parent / Guardian Form in Adobe Acrobat or Microsoft Word format
Return signed and completed forms by: -
By Email
E-mail to : hk.childrencourse@gmail.com
By Fax
Fax to: 852- 8147 3312
By Post
Mail to: "G.P.O. Box 5185, Hong Kong" together with a stamped and self-addressed 4” x 9” envelope.
Dhamma Server Application by Email, Postal Mail and Fax
Download the application form for Dhamma Server for the Children Course and send back to us by email or by fax.
Further Enquiries
Please contact Miss Zuey Tsui for further enquiries. She can be reached at 852- 9424 3131 or hk.childrencourse@gmail.com.
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Parent or Guardian Information Sheet
The children/teenagers’ course offers children between the ages 8 and 12 years old (teenagers between the ages 13 and 18 years old) an introduction to Anapana meditation, which is a practice of the observation of natural breath to concentrate the mind. They will learn to practice Anapana and begin to take their first steps on the path of Dhamma. The entire path of Dhamma, rediscovered and taught by Gotama the Buddha more than 2500 years ago, is a universal remedy for universal problems and has nothing to do with any organized religion or sectarian tradition. For this reason, it can be practiced freely by all, in any place, at any time. Its practice does not conflict with any race, community or religion and will prove equally beneficial to one and all.
Children/teenagers who have started practicing Anapana have realized many benefits. Their ability to concentrate becomes enhanced, their memory gets sharper, their ability to comprehend a subject improves and they become calmer. In general, they feel they have a practical tool to use in the face of any type of adversity or challenge.
During the course, there will be meditation instructions as well as other activities such as games, art, and storytelling. The children/teenagers will be divided into groups according to their age for many activities. They will be assigned group leaders who will personally accompany and assist them throughout the course, providing support and guidance as needed.
The intent of the children/teenagers’ course is serious. It is not appropriate for children/teenagers who are too young or otherwise unable to follow directions or to participate in organized, self-modulating activities. It is also not appropriate for children/teenagers who are unable to understand the meaning or purpose of the daily timetable and Code of Conduct. Segregation of the sexes will be maintained at all times in the meditation hall and during much of the course.
It is not mandatory that a parent or guardian accompanies your child to the course. Parents or guardians who are students of Goenkaji or his assistant teachers are welcome to stay at the course site. Only those children/teenagers who feel comfortable staying at the course site separate from their parents are encouraged to attend. We ask that parents and affiliated adults refrain from communicating with or contacting their children/teenagers throughout the course.
Parents or guardians who have not completed a ten-day course with Goenkaji or his assistant teachers are welcome to stay with their children/teenagers during registration, but should then leave the course site until the course is over.
Before applying for the course, please make sure that both you and your child have read and understood the Code of Conduct and Sample Timetable.
Pdf version download here.
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Code of Conduct
Learning to practice Anapana meditation is very valuable because it helps you to become a better person. Practicing Anapana meditation will help you to train your mind to become concentrated and calm. This will make your mind strong so that you will be able to avoid doing or saying things that are hurtful or harmful to yourself and to others. This strength of mind will help you to feel happier and more peaceful. Practicing Anapana and learning to concentrate will help you to become the master of your mind.
To help you succeed in practicing Anapana meditation it is important that you do your best to follow the instructions that you will be given during the course. While you are at the course, it is also important that you agree to follow the Code of Conduct written below. In the same way that a house needs a good foundation to support it, so the practice of Anapana needs a good foundation. This good foundation for Anapana is built by following the Code of Conduct. It will help you to avoid performing actions that are harmful or hurtful to yourself and others.
During the first meditation session at the course you will be asked to repeat the following five vows or precepts. These are written in bold and underneath each is an explanation.
Please read them carefully so that you will understand what you are saying when the time comes:
1. I shall abstain from killing.
I promise to try to treat all beings kindly and not kill them or harm them in any way.
2. I shall abstain from stealing.
I promise to take only what is given to me and not take anything which belongs to others without permission.
3. I shall abstain from a life of misconduct.
I promise to treat other boys and girls as if they were my brothers or sisters or best friends.
4. I shall abstain from speaking lies, harsh words, backbiting, etc. which will harm others.
I promise to speak truthfully, kindly and gently, and not to tell lies or to say hurtful things to anybody or about anybody.
5. I shall abstain from taking any intoxicant.
I promise not to take any alcohol, drugs or intoxicants, but to keep my mind clear.
At the bottom of your application form, when you sign your name, it means that you agree to try and follow this Code of Conduct as best you can while at the course.
Pdf version download here.
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Sample Time Table
Timing |
Session |
9.30 am to 10.15 am
(45 min) |
Introduction & Anapana |
10.15 am to 10.45 am
(30 min) |
Meditation |
10.45 am to 11.45 am
(1 hr) |
Refreshment
Personal interaction with children by CCT in small groups |
11.45 am to 12.15 am
(30 min) |
Meditation |
12.20 am to 12.50 pm
(30 min) |
Questions and Answers or Discourse
|
1.00 pm to 1.30 pm
(30 min) |
Meditation |
1.30 pm to 2.30 pm
(1 hr) |
Lunch & Games |
2.30 pm to 3.00 pm
(30 min) |
Meditation |
3.00 pm to 3.30 pm
(30 min) |
Ending Talk + Metta |
3.30 pm to 4.00 pm
(30 min) |
Snacks Time + Parent’s arrival and departure |
May all beings be happy!
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